As members of Michigan’s national championship team basked in the glow of their achievements, adorned with four championship rings and, in the case of Jim Harbaugh, commemorative ink celebrating the historic 15-0 season, the current 2024 team faced a stark reminder of the distance they must travel to replicate such success, particularly on the offensive front. However, with ample time before their season opener against Texas on September 7, there exists a significant runway for growth and improvement, symbolized by Harbaugh’s analogy of “preparing the plane for takeoff.”
Quarterback Alex Orji echoed Harbaugh’s sentiment, emphasizing the gradual ascent from the ground rather than an instantaneous rise. Describing the team’s offensive strategy as akin to an airplane rather than a helicopter, Orji highlighted the need for steady progress and development as they strive for excellence. Yet, despite the optimistic outlook, Saturday’s scrimmage provided insights into areas that require refinement as the team charts its course for the upcoming season.
Don’t forget about Warren
Amidst the buzz surrounding Alex Orji’s bid for the starting quarterback position, Davis Warren quietly asserted his presence during spring practices. Despite being one of the longest-tenured quarterbacks on Michigan’s roster, Warren has often been viewed as a reliable backup rather than a potential Big Ten starter. However, his performance in Saturday’s scrimmage challenged this perception, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays on the field.
Warren’s standout moments included two impressive touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, demonstrating both accuracy and poise under pressure. The first touchdown, a beautifully arced pass to Kendrick Bell, exemplified Warren’s deep-ball prowess as he connected with Bell, who had slipped past the defense for a score. On the subsequent series, Warren showcased his versatility by throwing on the run, delivering a perfectly placed pass to Fredrick Moore, who capitalized on his speed to secure another touchdown. These displays of skill and athleticism hint at Warren’s potential to elevate his role within the team beyond that of a steady backup.
In a spring game characterized by challenging weather conditions and limited passing opportunities, Davis Warren emerged as the standout performer, delivering three notable throws that underscored his potential as a starting quarterback candidate. Despite his past role as a backup quarterback behind J.J. McCarthy and Cade McNamara, Warren’s performance in the spring game highlighted his ability to thrive when given the opportunity to lead the offense.
Warren’s impressive throws, including two touchdowns and a 35-yard strike to tight end Deakon Tonielli, showcased his arm talent and decision-making under pressure. These pivotal moments signify Warren’s readiness to compete for the starting quarterback position at Michigan, with the vacancy providing him the chance to demonstrate his capabilities on a larger stage.
Expressing confidence in his abilities, Warren affirmed his belief in his potential to lead the team as the starting quarterback. He acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains focused on the task at hand, recognizing the importance of continued hard work and dedication as he vies for the coveted role. As Michigan enters a crucial offseason and prepares for the upcoming season, Warren’s performance serves as a compelling testament to his readiness to embrace the responsibilities of leading the team’s offense.
Resetting the QB hierarchy
With no designed quarterback runs or live hits, Orji didn’t have a chance to show the full range of what he can do, though he offered a glimpse on the Blue team’s opening drive with an 18-yard scramble for a touchdown. Orji missed a few throws but was accurate on most of his short passes, going 13-of-18 passes for 103 yards. He’s confident he can push the ball down the field, even if he hasn’t had the chance to show it in a live setting.
“Everything comes with reps,” Orji said. “(I’m) just getting comfortable with doing certain things, working on the short, the intermediate, the deep.”
Orji and Warren, the starters for their respective teams, appear to be separating from Jadyn Davis and Jayden Denegal, the second quarterbacks for each squad. Davis, one of the headliners of Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class, didn’t take as many first-string reps as the other quarterbacks, a sign that Michigan isn’t rushing him into a competition before he’s ready. After a rough start to the spring, Denegal played better in subsequent practices but didn’t do a lot Saturday to make up ground, going 2-for-6 passing with an interception.
The wild card is Jack Tuttle, who threw a bit this spring but wasn’t in pads for Saturday’s scrimmage. Tuttle should be cleared to participate in the summer, offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell said. Michigan will continue evaluating the options until someone rises to the top.
“If a guy emerges, we’re going to roll with that,” Campbell said. “If a guy doesn’t, we’ve got to push somebody to get that done.”
O-line grade: incomplete
Michigan faced unexpected challenges on the offensive line during the scrimmage, with key players like Josh Priebe, Myles Hinton, and Giovanni El-Hadi sidelined. Priebe, in particular, missed the scrimmage due to a minor injury sustained at the end of spring practice, though his absence was felt given his reputation for resilience and toughness. Additionally, the absence of El-Hadi further underscored the team’s depleted depth along the offensive front.
Despite the setbacks, the scrimmage provided opportunities for other players to step up and showcase their abilities. Greg Crippen, playing through a hand injury, manned the center position, while Raheem Anderson, Amir Herring, and Dominick Giudice rotated on the interior. At left tackle, freshmen Blake Frazier and sophomore Evan Link were tasked with filling the void left by Hinton’s absence. Frazier, despite his slender frame, demonstrated promise in his Michigan debut, earning praise for his performance.
Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell emphasized the importance of evaluating each player’s performance individually, regardless of the circumstances. Whether executing double-team blocks or single blocks, players were assessed based on their footwork, technique, and ability to execute assignments correctly. Despite the challenges posed by injuries and roster limitations, Michigan remains focused on developing a cohesive and effective offensive line unit as they prepare for the upcoming season.
